November 4, 2008 — Here are some themes to look for while watching the returns that will determine the outcome of the election.

Posted at The Root.

Like millions of Americans, I’m attending an election return party with friends tonight. One of my closest friends is hosting it, and I’ve been told that the only reason I was invited is because I study American politics professionally. What my friend should know is that political scientists are not the best prognosticators, because collectively our heads are usually either stuck in the sand or among the clouds. But I’m also a political junkie, which might be a much sounder credential for an analyst. So from both perspectives, but especially the latter, here are some themes to look for while watching the returns that will determine the outcome of the election.